Before and after school childcare and holiday playschemes
Out of school clubs provide care and play opportunities for children aged 3 to 11 years and some schemes may take children with additional needs up to 16 years.Most clubs are open before school from 8.00 am (some clubs operate a 7.30 am service) and after school until 5.30 pm or 6.00 pm.
Some sites also run Holiday Play Schemes during half term and main school holidays. Opening times are usually 8.00am - 5.30/6.00 pm.
Out of school services for children under the age of 8 must be registered and inspected by OFSTED, those for children over the age of 8 do not have to formally register, but are advised to follow the approved childcare scheme so that parents can access Child Tax Credits.
They are run outside school hours by a team of qualified staff, including qualified playworkers.
Activities should be planned to help children learn, play and relax with their friends. There are different types of out of school services so look around to find one that suits you and your child.
Positives
- children can learn, relax after school and have fun with their friends
- geared to the needs of children and thier parents, aiming to open during working hours, but can oftren hold theme nights.
What are the different types of out of school service?
- breakfast clubs - open in the mornings before school from 8.00 am (some clubs operate a 7.30 am service) so children can enjoy breakfast and activities there.
- after school clubs - open in the afternoons after school until 5.30pm or 6 pm
- holiday playschemes - open during school holidays between 8.00am - 5.30/6.00pm
- out of school services are also sometimes called kids' clubs.
How do I know my child will be safe and secure?
First of all you know your child best - look for an out of school service you feel will be suitable for your child. Out of school services registered with Ofsted Early Years are checked to make sure the staff are suitable to look after children. At least half of them must be trained and there are rules on the ratio of staff to children depending on the ages of the children catered for. A check is also done on the premises of the out of school service to ensure it is safe and suitable for children. After the out of school service is registered an annual inspection is carried out to ensure a safe and suitable service is being provided. Inspection reports can be viewed on the Ofsted website. Some out of school services do not currently need to be registered, for example, those which only cater for children aged over eight. You can ask if they are registered.
Many have also now gained "Aiming High" a quality Assurance Scheme accreditation.
How many children will there be?
Most out of school services provide places for between 16 and 40 children although some are smaller and others are larger.
What age range of children will be there?
Most children attending out of school services are aged between 5 and 11. Some services provide places for three and four year olds to fit around nursery or pre-school education. Some services provide places geared for older children aged 10-14.
When will services be open?
Out of school services can open before school and care for children after school until about 6pm.
During the school holidays they are likely to be open between 8.00am - 5.30/6.00pm
What about part-time childcare?
Many out of school services will be happy to offer you part-time childcare. You may need to book regular sessions to make sure a place is available when you need it.
How much will it cost?
You can expect to pay between an average of £30.00 per child per week for an after school childcare place and an average of £20.00 per child per day for a place at a holiday playscheme.
Find a after and before school club
You can carry out an online location search for Before And After School Clubs And Holiday Play Schemes on the Childcarelink website.
How to apply for an out of school club place
Contact the out of school club directly.
Contact Details
Children's Information Service
Telephone helpline: 0800 389 8667 (24 hr answer machine)
Email: childrensinfo@solihull.gov.uk
Address: Keepers Lodge, Chelmsley Road
Chelmsley Wood, Solihull, B37 7RS